21 Reasons Why More People Are Leaving Expensive West Coast Cities

The West Coast is known for its opportunities and innovation. With rapid urbanization and growing sectors, cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle are a magnet for many people. However, despite its allure, several issues have bugged people, urging them to seek a new shelter. These challenges are hard to ignore, leading them to reevaluate their priorities. Here are 21 reasons why more people are leaving expensive West Coast cities:

High Cost of Living

This is the most significant factor pushing people to leave the expensive West Coast. The notorious expenses and prices of essential commodities, including groceries, significantly cost more than in other parts of the country. Even people with high salaries lose a major chunk in rent and other essentials, leading to financial strain.

Increased House Prices

The rent has been skyrocketing on the West Coast, resulting in a luxury only a few can afford. Whether it is San Francisco or Seattle, the rent consumes a major part of the income, leading to people leaving the area. While many want to own a house and crave security, this pushes them to relocate.

Rising Crime Rates

Safety has become a significant concern, with numerous threats pushing people to leave the West Coast cities. With home robberies, stabbings, road thefts, and other violent crimes on the rise, even good neighborhoods are becoming victims of this. Families are actively on the move, shifting to a peaceful and quiet area.

Homelessness Crisis

The once beautiful roads and clean sidewalks have now become cramped with homeless people. Not only does this homelessness epidemic lead to encampments in public spaces, but it has also become a safety issue. Moreover, the genuine, sufferable condition of these people is disheartening, urging people to move to different communities where this is less prevalent.

Tax surge

A major tax burden exists in these expensive West Coast cities, such as Washington and Oregon. Taxes like income tax, sales tax, property tax, and other cuts are reducing earnings. The financial pressure is stressful, becoming a major deterrent and pushing people to relocate.

Remote Work

The Coronavirus pandemic has normalized remote work for all, and many employees are opting for this mode. People do not have to stay on the West Coast anymore for good jobs or opportunities. They are leaving these expensive cities for more affordable locations without paying a significant premium.

Traffic Congestion

Some expensive West Coast cities, such as Los Angeles, have some of the worst traffic. The highways are congested, and long commutes are depressing and tiring. With hours spent in traffic jams and increased stress, many people are opting for cities with better transportation. People are reclaiming lost hours and choosing to spend them with their families or on productive activities.

Aging Infrastructure

The deteriorating roads, unreliable public transport, and failing services have plagued many expensive West Coast cities. Despite the allure and wealth, many parts of the cities have struggled to maintain good infrastructure. From power outages to potholes on the streets, frustrated residents are moving to cities with well-maintained infrastructure.

Political Climate

Politics plays a core role everywhere, and it is impossible to avoid it. While many rightfully advocate for their rights and take an interest, some laws, like the labor laws, seem to alienate others. They lead to protests and debates, showcasing the people’s dissatisfaction. For these reasons, people are relocating, placing their trust in the governments and policies of other states.

Natural Disasters

While these may be external factors, people want to move away from disaster-prone areas. Climate change has led to wildfires, droughts, and other disastrous events in many parts of the West Coast. People have to deal with property damage, air pollution, and a sense of instability.

Red Tape

Red tape refers to the strict and unnecessary regulations that the government imposes. Many people, especially business owners and entrepreneurs, are leaving the city for this reason. They might be well-intentioned but may not suit their preferences, likely in areas such as business policies and environmental laws.

Cost of Raising a Family

Raising a family is not easy, no matter where in the world you live. However, the cost of raising a family on the West Coast with child care and housing does not cut it for many people. They are moving to cities with better policies and comparatively cheaper services, such as school, extracurricular activities, and healthcare.

Better Job Opportunities

Unfortunately, many people fail to find the correct or high-paying job in expensive West Coast cities. For better opportunities, they ditch these cities and head to other regions with thriving industries. Other factors, such as career growth or even transfers, also urge them to seek competitive job markets.

Quality of Education

The expensive cities on the West Coast are indeed punctuated with excellent educational institutions. Nonetheless, many public schools struggle with issues such as undergoing and recruiting quality teachers. To avoid private school expenses, many parents are leaving these cities for better educational opportunities and promises.

Gentrification

Gentrification theory describes an upscale process in which poor urban areas are transformed into modern ones. However, this has led to many long-term residents being pushed out of their neighborhoods. Unable to cope with the increased house rents and new property values, they feel alienated by the rapid change and move out.

Reduced Public Services

The cities on the West Coast charge high taxes but fail to deliver on their services. People face significant challenges with public services and refuse to pay higher premiums. Issues such as inconsistent waste management and overburdened public transit have led to residents feeling shortchanged and thus leaving for better services.

Drug Epidemic

Many states on the West Coast are hit with a drug epidemic, the majority of cases involving fentanyl. Illegal trade of drugs and widespread drug use outside of academic institutions have put the lives of many in danger. People are left frustrated and concerned, seeking refuge in places with fewer signs of addiction and better support systems.

Weather

This is indeed subjective, and few people have decided to leave the West Coast due to their weather preferences. Although the West Coast has a mild coastal climate, not everyone loves its lack of seasonal variety. They crave other weather patterns that are more diverse and predictable.

Slower Pace of Life

Some people are fed up with the hectic workload and hustle of the West Coast. They want a slow-paced, less-pressure life with comparatively lesser work environments. Smaller towns offer a chance to restart, allowing people to embrace a laidback atmosphere. This balanced way of life gives them ample time to spend on themselves and with family, too.

Retirement

Considerations regarding retirement are another factor causing people to leave expensive West Coast cities. They want to spend the rest of their retired lives away from the high costs and taxes. Alternatively, a more peaceful, welcoming community with good facilities such as healthcare is preferred to maximize retirement savings.

The growing sense of isolation and culture shifts have led to a sense of community disconnect among the people living on the West Coast. Ultra-fast urbanization has led to an influx of new people, diminishing the previous strong-knit community. Unable to cope with a society prioritizing profit over people, they drift apart and move to new cities.

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